Linking Raster Images

When an illustration includes an image created outside Illustrator, that image is either linked or embedded. Linked images are not part of the Illustrator file, but embedded images are added to the document. Each method has its advantages. The choice often depends on your future plans for the artwork.

When your illustration will spend its entire life on your computer, the difference between linking and embedding is not substantial. If you plan to send out the illustration for printing or place it in a page layout program, you must consider the difference. Failure to include a linked file prevents an illustration from printing correctly. However, file size limitations may prevent images from being embedded.